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Columbus Blue Jackets: Depth at Winger

By Michael Mallory

Apr 9, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Brandon Saad (20) against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Brandon Saad (20) against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Columbus Blue Jackets have a lot of talent at winger with a mix of young and veteran players.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have many talented younger players on the wing with Brandon Saad, Boone Jenner, Matt Calvert, and Cam Atkinson. Along with this younger core, the Blue Jackets have older veterans that can also contribute. Scott Hartnell and Nick Foligno are the two that come to mind on the veteran front.

The Young Guns

While the Blue Jackets have a proven group of young wingers, the youngest two out of the group are the most productive. Boone Jenner and Brandon Saad were the two top scorers on the Blue Jackets and they have yet to reach their ceilings. Last year was  Saad’s first season in Columbus after being traded from Chicago and he flourished. Saad has one of the best backhands in the NHL and he used it early and often.

Along with Saad, Boone Jenner had a breakout year with the Blue Jackets. Jenner plays a more gritty game than Saad, but they both have veteran qualities about them. Jenner is a fiery leader who is not afraid to stand up for his teammates, while Saad leads by his play and his knowledge in dealing with the media.

Cam Atkinson and Matt Calvert both have vital roles to the success in Columbus. Atkinson is more of a scorer, putting up 53 points last season. Calvert is a smaller, scrappy winger who is a true energy player. Occasionally he will chip in offensively, but his contributions are through his tough forechecking and sparking the team through fights.

The Veterans

The Columbus Blue Jackets have two veterans, Scott Hartnell and Nick Foligno, who   regularly contribute to the club. Hartnell is a fiery player that has a knack for scoring goals, but can’t seem to stay out of the penalty box. Hartnell is a nasty player, often getting under the whole NHL’s skin, but he can still put up the points. Last season, he had 49 points and although his stay in Columbus may be coming to an end soon with his name coming up in trade rumors, he can still produce.

Along with Hartnell is the Blue Jacket’s captain Nick Foligno. Foligno is only 28-years-old, but he is put into the veteran category because he is the leader of the team. Even though Foligno’s production dropped off in his first year as captain with only 12 goals, fans know what he is capable of.

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The Rundown

The Blue Jackets production offensively on the wings was good, but to make a jump up in the standings they will need to keep improving. Foligno is one player that has to step up, but he is not the only issue.

Along with the players listed above, Columbus has David Clarkson who is a shell of his past self after injuries derailed his career. With Clarkson on the books and his career in limbo, he weighs the team down financially and also by taking up a roster spot that could go to a younger, more productive player.

With the Blue Jackets being at the bottom of the standings, the team needs improvement in all aspects of their play. Fans have a lot to be excited about on the wings, with the mix of young and veteran players making it the best position group on the team.

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